Mary Ella Harris, daughter of the late Pearl/Callie Harris and Carrie Bell Loving/Leonard Hayes , was born in Albany, Georgia on April 28, 1945.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Monroe High School in 1963.  Her deep thirst for knowledge stirred her to continue her education at Albany State College where she was awarded a B.S. degree in Business Education in 1967.  Holding fast to her belief that education was vital to the betterment of all people, Mary pressed forward and obtained master's degree in Business Education from the University of Georgia.  While in school, she eagerly demonstrated her commitment to service, leadership, and excellence and was initiated into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Mary's Christian experience began at a very early age when she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She was a devout member of Third Kiokee Missionary Baptist where she served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and spent many years as the troop leader for the Girl Scouts of America.  Mary  later obeyed the gospel and joined the Church of Christ at Gaines Avenue.  She was a faith servant of the Lord, loved the fellowship of her congregation, and was steadfast in giving God the praise for the blessings in her life.

Mary was blessed to have had a profound professional career that spanned a period of 30 years.  As an elementary and middle school teacher, she was relentless in guiding and inspiring students in the Donaldsonville School System and the Dougherty County School System, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary and Radium Springs Middle School.  Her career was marked by the highest level of teaching excellence; and as a result, she received numerous awards and accolades.  She truly possessed a gift for teaching and a love for children.

Known for her kind and gentle spirit, Mary believed deeply in unconditional love, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and delighted in helping others—never asking anything in return.  She had a way of looking into your soul and knowing just what you would need to make you grow.  Mary was always ready with a laugh and smile, and to know her was to know you were in the presence of a truly special person.  Having the honor of being loved by her was to know you would be loved for a lifetime.  Most days, she could be found sitting on the porch in her wheelchair greeting and waving at everyone.  Even in challenging times, she always maintained a joyful and positive spirit.  Her friendliness and kindness to all people are lasting tributes to the beauty of her heart and soul.

On Tuesday, November 24, 2022, Almighty God called His faithful servant home.   Although her earthly departure leaves a void, we rejoice in knowing that she is present with the Lord.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her brothers, Henry (Gracie) Harris and Omar (Sandra) Salaam both of Albany, GA; James E. Myrics of Washington, DC, and James Loving of Atlanta, GA; a very special friend, Kenneth Howard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.